Question:
want lapband but have hiatal hernia so may have to have bypass: too old?

i have no fears of the lapband surgery but i do for the bypass because of my age. i am 59. i have a great heart and all is well except for GERD and the hiatal hernia, which is not good with the lapband and i know my dr will try to talk me into the bypass cause he already has tried. please relate your age and bypass experiences for me please---thank you!!    — Lynda M. (posted on February 2, 2010)

February 2, 2010
I haven't had the bypass, I instead opted for DS surgery, but I did want to tell you that I think you're not too old for the surgery. My former Aetna healthcare case nurse was 53 when she had bypass surgery and she is now 3 years post op and doing great. I just had the DS at 49 and I'm doing mostly ok, it just seems to take those of us who are older a bit longer to recover than it does the younger folks who have the surgeries. Hopefully you'll hear from other people who have actual experience information for you, since my experience is limited to DS surgery. good luck with whatever you decide!
   — Tina M.

February 2, 2010
Hi Lynda, I'm 62 and had my surgery (LapBand) 11-08. I too had a hiatal hernia and my surgeon "cut it out" and I am doing great. Dr. Baptista gives his patients pics of the surgery and identified the hernia he removed. I am down 126#(2-3# per week), and I will get weighed again this Thursday. (I NEVER watch numbers on a scale at home, ONLY in my Dr,'s office, in fact, I don't even own a scale!) If you want to see my pics, let me know and I will send them to you email. Living with GERD was miserable, and I have no regrets in having this surgery. I went into surgery at 0630 and I was walking to my car at 1130. I missed one weekend of work. I'm a nurse working Baylor Plan of weekend nights. Being "under" anesthesia for a longer time would have been more threatening to me. I had cardiac problems as well, and wanted to go the shortest route possible. It was a good choice for me.
   — BeenThere1

February 2, 2010
I am 54 and had bypass on Nov 17th. I had a huge hernia (my surgeon's description) and GERD and was therefore not a good candidate for Lap Band. I did not want the Band, so for me I was thrilled when he suggested the bypass or sleeve. I also have high blood pressure which required 2 medications. I now take one. My experience has been wonderful. I am so pleased with my progress.
   — dasie

February 2, 2010
Lynda, I was just one week shy of my 60th birthday when I had RNY/LAP. All went well (this was the first surgery I had ever had). I'm now three years post op and lost a total of 136 pounds. I never got to my goal weight but am pleased with the results. The surgeon found a hernia when he did the surgery and I went back a year later and had that taken care of.
   — Muggs

February 2, 2010
You're not too old. I just had the Roux N Y gastric bypass surgery 2 weeks ago and I'm also 59. I have a hiatal hernia and acid reflux and a slew of other problems. Only your doctor can tell you for sure but I think you can do it. One of my support group members is 68 and having the surgery tomorrow.
   — Marybeth C.

February 2, 2010
Dear Ms: my name is Ruth Rowe i was 68 years old and I have the Realize because of my age they kept Me in the hospital over I never had no pain and I so far am down to 299.2 as of Monday I may have only lost 17 lbs with My PCP but I feel great now [email protected] I am now 691/2 years old.
   — Ruth Rowe

February 3, 2010
I was 56 and weighed 280 (down from 307 when I first saw my surgeon for evaluation) when I had my RNY surgery.... and I had a hiatal hernia also. I've been just fine, and from DAY ONE, I've had more energy and have been happier than I'd been since I was 20 years old!!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

February 3, 2010
Hi, I am 40 years old and my doctor fixed my hiatal hernia when he did my lapband. I had my surgery on 1-20-10 and am down over 20 pounds. My doctor was not hesitate to do my Lapband at all because of the hernia. good luck!
   — tabby417

February 6, 2010
I am 55 years "young" (snicker'n) ..... and had my surgery (gastric bypass) 7 months ago on June 29, 2009. I was a Type II diabetic, on 3 different blood pressure meds, high cholesterol meds ..... and have done beautifully. I am down 126 lbs, off of all medications, and feeling fantastic!!!! Research the different options you have for surgery .... depending on how much weight you have to lose also is a determining factor in which surgery will benefit you the best. Good Luck !!!
   — happypeach

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